Book Reviews

The Three Grumpies
By Tamra Wright Illustrated by Ross Collins

Have you ever tried to explain to a child what “a case of the grumpies” is and how to get rid of them? The author of this children’s book has identified three types of grumpy. There is grumpy, grumpier, and grumpiest, each with it’s own personal look. The story begins with a young girl who wakes up with a case of the grumpies. As she tells the different adults in her life that she has the grumpies, she gets a variety of suggestions on how to get rid of them. She tries each of the ideas and still cannot get them to go away, until all of a sudden she discovers the one thing that will make them go away. Now, I would tell you what the cure for “a case of the grumpies” is, but I simply cannot because nothing makes me grumpier than when someone tells me the end of the story before I have a chance to read it!

Brain Gym: Simple Activities for Whole Brain Learning
By Paul E. Dennison & Gail E. Dennison

Brain Gym is a book about movements, and their connection to the brain and impact on learning.

This concept was developed by Paul E. Dennison and Gail E. Dennison and researchers at Edu-Kinesthestics in Ventura CA, in the mid 1980's. They came to the conclusion that by using movements of the body, the brain could be re-patterned. The benefits were increased ability to concentrate, focus and absorb new information.

There are several versions of this book widely available, including the orange "Brain Gym" 1986; "Brain Gym-Teachers edition, revised"- 1988; "Brain Gym for Business" 1994.

These books are all similar, each giving explanations for the exercises and why they are effective. They all use movements that are simple and engage the learner. The simplicity is great, and the movements are scientifically based and researched, which makes them very appropriate for classroom, program and home use. There are no side effects other than better coordination, engagement, and increased muscle tone.

The movements can be done anywhere, inside or outside, for a few minutes or a longer time if desired.

Children and adults with limited movement abilities can also benefit, from the movements, especially those that cross the midline of the body, even if they need assistance to make the movements.

We appreciate the benefits and have heard lots of feedback from Parents, Educators and Providers, who have incorporated these ideas into their teaching stategies. We encourage others to remember the importance of movement and the connection of movement to learning for all people.

Complimentary books are:
"Brain Gym-Aprendizaje de Todo el Cerebro" (Spanish version); Dr. Paul E. Dennison y Gail E. Dennison 1996 "The Dominance Factor"-Carla Hannaford 1997 "Smart Moves"- Carla Hannaford PhD 1995 "I am the Child"- Cecilia K. Freeman M.Ed 1998 "Keep your Brain Alive"-Lawrence C. Katz PhD. 1999 "The Out of Sync Child has Fun"-Carol Stock Kranowitz MA 2003